10 Easy Ways to Save Money During the Holidays

by Alli

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GPHolidayAtHome #CollectiveBias

The holiday season is in full swing and it’s the most wonderful time of the year! I always wish for snow on Christmas Day and it rarely happens here in the south. It did snow the day after Christmas one year and I was ecstatic. I’ll take anything I can get. Fingers crossed!

It’s also the time of the year when we tend to stress over ways to stretch our dollars during the holidays. Take a deep breath and relax. I’ve got 10 pain-free ways to save money, including how I save on holiday essentials.

Helpful Hint: Hover over the image above to shop for these holiday essentials!

The Holidays can be stressful but they don't have to be. I've got 10 easy ways to save money during the holidays plus free printables!

10 Ways to Save Money During the Holidays

1. Make a List and Check it Twice

This one is a no-brainer for me because I’m the queen of list making. If I don’t make a Christmas gift list, I always overspend.

You can make your own list by downloading my FREE Christmas Gift List.

Real Ways to Save During the Holidays

Now is the time to trim the list. Do you really have to buy a gift for that person you haven’t seen in five years? No.

2. Set a Budget & Limit Gifts

If I don’t set a budget, I can get off course quickly. I keep a running tally of what I’ve spent on gifts in my notes app on my phone. I always have it with me in case I catch a good deal.

You don’t have to buy each person a pile of gifts. When buying for kids, stick with the 4 gift rule – something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.

During the holidays, it’s also best to avoid self-gifting. It’s so tempting to shop for yourself during the holiday season, especially when it comes to great deals. Resist the urge and wait until after the holidays when everything will be marked down even more.

3. Shop at Dollar General for Holiday Essentials

I have a large family and I entertain often during the holidays. I make sure to stock up on essentials that make my life easier. Whether it’s preparing for Sunday Dinners, Christmas Eve Soup & Salad Supper or Christmas Day Lunch, I like to be prepared.

To save time, paper plates are the way to go during the busy holiday season. Dollar General has my favorite Dixie® paper plates. When the grandkids come over, they get to build snowmen (aka set the table). The Dixie Ultra® paper plates are perfect for my big holiday feast.  They hold up to 2 lbs. of food, so you can replace your regular plates and save time when cleaning up after dinner. When it’s time for dessert or snack, I reach for Dixie® Everyday paper plates.

To make a snowman, add silverware for the arms, and napkins for the top hat and scarf. Chocolate Chips are perfect for buttons and eyes. Add a carrot nose and you’ve got the cutest place setting ever.

Save Money During the Holidays and Stock Up on essentials at Dollar General

When the grandkids and I bake holiday cookies, things tend to get messy. Sometimes I make a bigger mess than they do! I can always count on Brawny® Paper Towels when it comes to handling simple, everyday cleanup and all my big cooking-with-grandkids messes.

Don’t forget to stock up on bath tissue while you’re in Dollar General! I admit that I’m over-the-top picky when it comes to bath tissue. Angel Soft® 12 Family bath tissue combines strength and the perfect softness without breaking the bank. I stock up on several packs of Angel Soft 12 Family Rolls because I don’t want to run out of bath tissue over the holidays.

10 Ways to Save Money on Bathroom Essentials for the Holidays

Money Saving Hint: Stock up for the holidays and make your dollar go further with these awesome Georgia-Pacific essential products at Dollar General. Starting 11/19/17 through 12/23/17 only, Buy 3 Participating Products, Save $3! (Valid on Angel Soft® 12 Family / 12 Big Lavender, Sparkle® 6 Roll, all QNUSS 9 Mega and QNUP/QNUSS 12DR, Dixie® Everyday 9in 86 ct, Dixie Ultra® 10in 44ct, Brawny 6 Large Roll, Mardi Gras 200 ct)

Save Money for the Holidays at Dollar General

4. Check for Coupon Codes & Watch for Sales

I admit that I’m not very consistent when it comes to clipping coupons, but I do keep up with coupon codes on my phone.

My daughter is an expert when it comes to getting the best deals. A few days ago she called to let me know that a toy I was looking for was on sale for one day only. I saved big on that item when I ordered it online, plus shipping was free.

5. Use Cash Only

Are you that person who pays off credit cards every single month? Good for you! If not, use cash only when it comes to shopping for holiday gifts. You don’t want to be paying for gifts (plus interest) months later.

6. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

My son-in-law loves to go shopping on Christmas Eve with his dad. It’s a tradition they started years ago. Not me! I like to be at home, watching Christmas movies and sipping hot cocoa.

When you wait until the last minute, many items are sold out and you may overspend because you are running out of time. I love to enjoy the few days before Christmas knowing that all my shopping is done and the gifts are wrapped.

7. Homemade Gifts

Gifts from the heart are always in style and are greatly appreciated. Here are a few great holiday gift ideas:

  • Flavored Olive Oils
  • Soup or Cookie Mixes in a Jar
  • Homemade Candies or Jams
  • Homemade Chocolate or Caramel Sauce
  • Holiday Cookies
  • Bookmarks for the book lover (add a book, of course)

Free Bookmarks - How to Save Money During the Holidays

Get my free holiday bookmarks here! Be sure and use cardstock when printing the bookmarks.

BookMark and How to Save Money During the Holidays

8. Free Holiday Concerts

Check your local schools, churches, and concert halls for free holiday concerts. Get the family together and enjoy a night out without spending any money.

9. Draw Names

If you have a large, extended family who celebrates the holidays together, draw names. It saves money and time. You only have to look for one special gift instead of dozens.

10. Spend Time with Family and Friends

One of our favorite holiday traditions is enjoying cinnamon rolls and mocha punch on Christmas morning. I’ll start receiving text messages from my grown kids a few days before Christmas to make sure we’re keeping our traditions alive. Of course! It’s a family tradition.

Decorating the Christmas tree, baking holiday cookies and watching favorite Christmas movies are all ways to make lasting memories.

Making Memories During the Holidays

Let go of Stress

Remember to take breaks and enjoy some me-time during the holiday season! Sometimes, you just need to snuggle up on the sofa with a good book or good movie, some hot cocoa and your favorite snack and take some time off.

How to Save Money During the Holidays

What’s your #1 tip for saving money during the holiday season?

20 comments

Lisa November 20, 2017 - 9:23 am

Those snowman plates are adorable. I’m looking forward to Christmas and always shop with a list.

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Sarah Bailey November 20, 2017 - 10:12 am

What some great sounding hints and tips, the holiday season can be so expensive, so anything that helps keep the pennies in your pocket is a must.

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Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh November 20, 2017 - 10:21 am

These are some really good tips. My husband was laid off so we are looking for all the ways to save this holiday season.

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Franc Ramon November 20, 2017 - 10:24 am

Homemade gifts can really save you a lot. Having a list and checking it twice can also keep things organized.

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Jen Temcio November 20, 2017 - 11:52 am

I am heading out in a bit to do some shopping and I am going to go to Dollar General first to see what I can pick up there for a better price. And I will certainly get the dixie plates since we will be going through a lot during the holidays.

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Amber Myers November 20, 2017 - 1:59 pm

These are such great ideas. I always love to save money. I do always set a budget!

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Jenn @ EngineerMommy November 20, 2017 - 2:18 pm

Yes, we draw names for gifts. It’s such a smart way to make the whole day less stressful. Shopping for one person is a lot less stress and work than shopping for 25.

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Farrah Less G. November 20, 2017 - 2:22 pm

To have a check list this holiday makes planning easy. I like personalized gift ideas perfect for the limited budget and you can be creative at the same time .

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Our Family World November 20, 2017 - 2:37 pm

I have planned my Christmas list in July and started Christmas shopping for gifts for family and friends since August. I am 3/4 of my way done in my list. Every time I see a sale on a certain item on my list, I purchase it immediately. It does help me save so much money which I could use for the larger gift items in my list. Thank you for your tips. I also love the idea of homemade gifts.

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Natalie November 20, 2017 - 5:41 pm

Shopping at my local dollar store always saves me so much money! I never use coupons, I have to be better at this.

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Claudia Krusch November 20, 2017 - 8:30 pm

I am always looking for ways to save some money during the holidays. Dollar General is a great place to shop. They always have a great selection for every holiday.

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Liz Mays November 20, 2017 - 10:56 pm

I’m definitely going to stick to a budget. Buying my supplies at Dollar General would help with that a lot!

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Tomi c November 21, 2017 - 5:51 am

Dollar General is also a great place to pick up some last minute gifts. They have a great selection of candles or boxed gift sets that make for affordable gifts to share with others

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Julee November 21, 2017 - 6:59 am

Saving money is essential for my stress levels during the holidays. It helps keep my budget in line. I like stocking up to and Dollar General is a great store with great savings to help me do this.

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April November 21, 2017 - 8:09 am

This is so important this time of the year, especially for young families! I am teaching my daughter some of these tips.

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Amanda November 21, 2017 - 9:16 am

Setting a clear budget and shopping discount stores for basics really help us to save money during the holidays. We are also simplifying our lives and really spending less on everything and simply savoring moments together.

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Chubskulit Rose November 21, 2017 - 11:23 am

I do my shopping gradually according to the budget I have. These are some great tips!

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Sandy N Vyjay November 21, 2017 - 5:56 pm

Having a budget beforehand ensures that you do not go off the roof which is the general tendency during holidays. Like to keep a close watch on the expenses during these times specially.

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Jesenia Montanez ~ client November 21, 2017 - 6:31 pm

Great tips for this time of year! Thanks for sharing and including some great printables!

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Karissa @WithOurBest November 22, 2017 - 9:12 am

Honestly, I needed this post right now. I have such a hard time around the holidays. Spending all over the place! I need a budget ASAP!

Reply

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